Working Class Audio

Peel back the glamour of the professional recording world. Guests from the world of audio for music, film, games, restoration, and more share their insights on how they made their journey, how they survive, their advice on the real things including wins, losses, working with other people, money, and career advice.
Hosted by audio engineer Matt Boudreau.
The Working Class Audio Podcast - Navigating the World of Recording with a working class perspective.

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605 episodes
Updated July 28
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Episodes605

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Oct 20, 2025 · 55 min
WCA #566 with Mike Blodgett – Isolated Ground, Ground Rods, Isolation Transformers, Power Conditioners, and Electrical Safety
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back engineer/producer electrician, Mike Blodgett to discuss electricity and pro audio! Enjoy. In This Episode, We Discuss: Isolated Grounds Isolation Transformers Ground Rods Power Conditioners Apartment Power Home Studio Power Electrical Safety Links and Show Notes: Mike on WCA #348 Matt's Rant: How You Listen Credits: Guest: Mike Blodgett Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell The Voice: Chuck Smith
Oct 14, 2025 · 1 hr 20 min
WCA #565 with Hans-Martin Buff – Tearjerkers, Peter Gabriel, Real World, Binaural, and ATMOS
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back engineer/producer and 3D audio geek, Hans-Martin Buff to discuss mixing Peter Gabriel's I/O as well as his own project Tearjerkers. In This Episode, We Discuss: Tearjerkers Peter Gabriel Real Word Studios Binaural Mixing ATMOS Format Haters Links and Show Notes: Pure Audio Streaming: Immersive Audio Album: Link tree Album: Youtube Siren Video: Audiomovers Apple: Illusonics Neumann Rime Virtuoso: Waves NX: Matt's Rant: Focused Discussion Credits: Guest: Hans-Martin Buff Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell The Voice: Chuck Smith
Oct 7, 2025 · 1 hr 7 min
WCA #564 with Steve Dierkens – Career Path Shift, Joy in Work, Financial Balance, Global Collaborations, and Redefining Success
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Engineer, Producer, Mixer Steve Dierkens. In this conversation, Steve shares his journey from as a succesful enginer working in film in California to a professional audio engineer and producer living in Canada. He discusses his early influences, the transition to a professional career, and the lifestyle changes that came with moving to Canada. Steve reflects on the challenges of building a studio, the importance of family, and the reevaluation of his career goals. He emphasizes the need for joy in music production and offers insights into financial perspectives in the audio profession. The conversation also touches on remote collaborations, social media challenges, and the definition of success and happiness in the industry. Enjoy. In This Episode, We Discuss: Career path shift Family-driven choices Moved to Canada Studio-building challenges Joy in work Financial balance Valued client relationships Global collaborations Social media pressure Redefining success Links and Show Notes: Steve and Chris Selim's Podcast Matt's Rant: More on Streaming vs Physical Media Credits: Guest: Steve Dierkens Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell The Voice: Chuck Smith
Sep 30, 2025 · 1 hr 14 min
WCA #563 with Jon Rezin– Working Remotely in Ohio, Mixing, Saving Time, Skills and Network
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Grammy winning Mixer, Producer, & Mastering Engineer Jon Rezin who has worked with Natalia Jimenez, One Direction, Andy Grammer, BoA, and Santana. In This Episode, We Discuss: Working Remotely in Ohio Mixing Saving Time Skills Network Building Relationships The Masked Singer American Idol Links and Show Notes: Jon's Site Jon on Instagram Matt's Rant: Streaming vs Physical Media Credits: Guest: Jon Rezin Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell The Voice: Chuck Smith
Sep 22, 2025 · 1 hr 12 min
WCA #562 - STEVE GENEWICK talks SPINAL TAP
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back Recording and Mixing Engineer Steve Genewick. Steve gives us the full behind the scenes look into the making of the new Spinal Tap record "The End Continues". From the initial phone call to the release of the record and movie we get into the details. In This Episode, We Discuss: Initial Phone Call Where to Record Setup Mics, Preamps, etc.. Mixing Mixing in ATMOS WIG Day! In The Box Cracking Up Links and Show Notes: The time code software Download the Input List! Steve's site Link to the record on Apple Music WCA #070 with Al Schmitt & Steve Genewick WCA #324 with Steve Genewick WCA Live from NAMM 2024 Matt's Rant: Perfection Credits: Guest: Steve Genewick Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell The Voice: Chuck Smith
Sep 15, 2025 · 55 min
WCA #561 with Jordan Lonn – FOH, Paying Dues, Failing Kidney's, Home Town Gig, and Sustained Energy
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Jordan Lonn, Head Audio Engineer at the Gallo Center for the Arts in Modesto, California. The venue hosts a wide range of performances, including musical acts such as Joss Stone, Joan Osborne, and the Count Basie Orchestra, as well as musical theater and stand-up comedy. In This Episode, We Discuss: Guitar Center Dropping Out Of College Paying Dues Sustained Energy Failing Kidney's Health Epiphany Home Town Gig FOH Gallo Center Links and Show Notes: Gallo Center for The Arts Matt's Rant: Acting Territorial Credits: Guest: Jordan Lonn Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell The Voice: Chuck Smith
Sep 7, 2025 · 1 hr 14 min
WCA #560 The Backup Episode – 3-2-1 System, Nevada City Fire Scare, Altadena Fire Experience, and Best Practices & Considerations
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back Grammy Nominated producer, engineer, and mixer Travis Ference as well as multi-instrumentalist, sound designer and audio engineer Kerry Rose to talk all about backing up and archiving audio. Enjoy. In This Episode, We Discuss: 3-2-1 System Best Practices & Considerations Insurance & Liability Personal Experiences Travis's Altadena Fire Experience Kerry's Nevada City Fire Scare Scorched Earth Remote/Cloud Storage Challenges with Cloud Offsite NAS Methodology Over Tools Links and Show Notes: Watch Duty App GMRS Radios Documentary on Paradise Backblaze Sync.com Neofinder Synology NAS OWC Travis online Matt's Rant: The Many Hats We Wear Credits: Guest: Travis Ference and Kerry Rose Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell The Voice: Chuck Smith
Sep 1, 2025 · 1 hr 19 min
WCA #559 with Moses Schneider – Hansa Studios, Disco Powder, Obscuring Audio, The Wall, and No Sandwich Recording
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes engineer and producer Moses Schneider. The Berliner is responsible for some of the most successful records of recent years. The Beatsteaks achieved their breakthrough in the German charts under his direction. His other productions include Tocotronic, Fehlfarben, Dendemann, Kreator and others. In 2008, Schneider was nominated for the German music award Echo for his work on "Kapitulation" by Tocotronic and "Limbo Messiah" by the Beatsteaks. In 2018 and 2022 he was nominated for the German music Award "Preis für Popkultur" as "favorite Producer". In This Episode, We Discuss: Hansa Studios The Pixies Gil Norton Gordon Raphael New York Berlin Disco Powder Gentrification Obscuring Audio Links and Show Notes: Moses on Instagram Moses website Matt's Rant: Walking.....yes walking Credits: Guest: Moses Schneider Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell The Voice: Chuck Smith
Aug 26, 2025 · 1 hr 20 min
WCA #558 with Ady Parzentny – Barcelona, Artist Support, Studio Connections, and the Audio Nomad Book
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back Ady Parzentny. Adrian Parzentny is a German‒Polish music producer, audio engineer, and creative adventurer. With over 13 years of travel and music production experience, Adrian has recorded traditional musicians across Morocco, the Sahara Desert, and beyond — often in remote villages, mountain ranges, and DIY setups built inside vans and hotel rooms. In This Episode, We Discuss: Barcelona move Audio Nomad book Studio connections Modeling Freelance audio Travel recording Gear philosophy Artist support Music mediums Authentic living Intuition guides Links and Show Notes: Get the book! Listen to Ady on WCA #468 Matt's Rant: More Discipline Credits: Guest: Ady Parzentny Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell The Voice: Chuck Smith
Aug 18, 2025 · 1 hr 7 min
WCA #557 with Assaad Lakkis– Bullfunk Studios, Financial Realities, Continuous Learning, Perseverance, and Mental Health
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes producer, engineer, and musician Assad Lakkis, the creative force behind Bull Funk Zoo and owner of Bull Funk Studios in Dubai. Assad’s career blends boundary-pushing rock, funk, and experimental sounds with his work producing and recording artists from around the world, making him a central figure in the Middle Eastern music scene. In This Episode, We Discuss: The Bullfunk Identity Time in the US Bullfunk Studios Learning and Mentorship First Studio Challenges Job Market in Dubai Current Home Studio Financial Realities Client Acquisition Diversified Income Continuous Learning Perseverance Mental Health Links and Show Notes: Bull Funk Zoo Bull Funk Studios Bull Funk Zoo on YouTube: Matt's Rant: Self-employed discipline Credits: Guest: Assad Lakkis Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell The Voice: Chuck Smith
Aug 11, 2025 · 1 hr 14 min
WCA #556 with Toby Lloyd– Working in Film, Returning to Music, New Zealand Scene, Being a Good Dad, and The Morning Cold Plunge
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes producer, engineer, mixer, Toby Lloyd who runs Tiny Triumph Recordings in Wellington, New Zealand. Toby's career spans working in film (The Hobbit Trilogy, Avatar, Mortal Engines) as well as music by playing a central role in the New Zealand Music world. In This Episode, We Discuss: Producing And Mixing Music Rooftop Recording Studio Meditation And Cold Plunge Punk Rock Beginnings 110 Studio Rejections Sound Recordist On The Hobbit Learning In Collaboration Eight Years In Film University Studio Engineer Full-Time Music Producer Intimate Studio Design New Studio Lease Parenting Five Children Artist Relationship Building Financial Discipline Strategy Wellington Music Challenges Safe Space For Artists Staying In New Zealand Stories Of Perseverance Links and Show Notes: Toby's Studio Matt's Rant: A Brainstorm Credits: Guest: Toby Lloyd Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell The Voice: Chuck Smith
Aug 5, 2025 · 59 min
WCA #555 with Pierre de Reeder – Rilo Kiley, LA Survival, 64 Sound, and A New Studio Business Model
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes producer/engineer/musician Pierre de Reeder. Pierre owns and runs 64 Sound and is a member of the band Rilo Kiley. In This Episode, We Discuss: Rilo Kiley LA Survival 64 Sound Dave Trumfio Recording on 8 Track Cassette New Studio Business Model Bonding with the Landlord The Hunt Links and Show Notes: 64 Sound King Size Sound Labs Rob Schnapf on WCA Profit First Book Rilo Kiley on Apple Music You Are a Bad Ass at Making Money Book The Psychology of Money Matt's Rant: Money Talk Credits: Guest: Pierre de Reeder Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell The Voice: Chuck Smith
Jul 28, 2025 · 58 min
WCA #554 with Mark Pistel – Sampler Revolution, Disposable Heroes, Consolidated, Union Work, and Adapting to Industry Changes
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes engineer and producer Mark Pistel. His extensive credits include influential work with Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy and Consolidated, as well as notable collaborations with artists such as Meat Beat Manifesto, Grace Jones, Hercules and Love Affair, Chuck Prophet, Rykarda Parasol, Machines of Loving Grace, Holly Herndon, Los Mocosos, and many others. In This Episode, We Discuss: Growing up in Duluth Vibrant San Francisco Scene Sampler Revolution Disposable Heroes Album Production Jack Dangers Adapting to Industry Changes Union Work Links and Show Notes: https://www.markpistel.com Matt's Rant: Differences Credits: Guest: Mark Pistel Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell The Voice: Chuck Smith
Jul 22, 2025 · 1 hr 1 min
WCA #553 with Stefan Bock – Being Too Early, Inventions, Immersive Audio, Pure Audio Streaming, and the Value of Good Acoustics Spaces.
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Engineer & Producer Stefan Bock. His credits include productions for Peter Maffay, Herbert Grönemeyer, Sarah Brightman, Yello, 2L, Berliner Philharmoniker and Deutsche Grammophon. Due to his expertise in the field of immersive audio, Stefan Bock is a renown speaker at international congresses, including those of the Audio Engineering Society and the Association of German Sound Engineers. He is also a regular lecturer at the ARD.ZDF Medienakademie. Enjoy. In This Episode, We Discuss: Being Too Early Inventions Immersive Audio Pure Audio Streaming MSM Studios The Beauty of Niche Good Acoustics Links and Show Notes: Pure Audio Streaming MSM Studios Matt's Rant: Nerd Groups Credits: Guest: Stefan Bock Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell The Voice: Chuck Smith
Jul 14, 2025 · 1 hr 7 min
WCA #552 with Daniel Holter – Studio Aesthetics, Hospitality, Presentation, Relationships, and Cashflow
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back producer, mixer, composer and songwriter Daniel Holter. Daniel first appeared in 2018 on WCA Episode #179. Over the years, Daniel has mixed music by artists such as Nick Lowe, Field Report, Over The Rhine, Amos Lee, Blitzen Trapper, Collections of Colonies of Bees, Phil Keaggy, Crowded House, Dead Horses, WebsterX, and Ryan Higa. He’s also composed and/or produced thousands of cues currently being used by such varied clients as Apple, Nike, Google, Microsoft, GM & Gatorade, virtually all of the top shows on HBO, ESPN, CBS, ABC, NBC, Fox, and all across the globe in tv, radio, advertisements, video games and film. Enjoy! In This Episode, We Discuss: Studio Aesthetics Hospitality Making Artists Feel at Home THUD Studios Relationships Cashflow Seattle Family Business Candles Links and Show Notes: Daniel on WCA #179 The Candles! (discount Applied on Checkout) THUD Studio Matt's Rant: The Curse Credits: Guest: Daniel Holter Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell The Voice: Chuck Smith
Jul 7, 2025 · 1 hr 19 min
WCA #551 with Dane Giordano – Sun Studio, Steve Albini's Kindness, Financial Discipline, and Diversifying Services
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Engineer and Composer Dane Giordano who has engineered artists for Warner, Sony and Universal Music Group. Dane has composed music for Film, Video Games, Television and more! He is also one of the House Engineers at Young Avenue Sound & Sun Studio. In This Episode, We Discuss: First Studio Experience Touring Survival Methods Bad Engineer Experiences Positive Studio Experiences Flat Rates Engineering Transition Sun Studio Electrical Audio Internship Steve Albini's Kindness Professional Studio Habits Embrace Beginner Mindset Clients By Word-Of-Mouth Financial Discipline Diversifying Services Links and Show Notes: Dane's Site Matt's Rant: Session Documentation in the 21st Century Credits: Guest: Dane Giordano Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell The Voice: Chuck Smith
Jun 30, 2025 · 1 hr 1 min
WCA #550 with Justin Francis – Remote Studio Benefits, Nashville Efficiency, Beyond Music Row, and Navigating Payment Ethics
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Grammy WInning Producer/engineer/mixer, Justin Francis who has worked alongside artists like Sheryl Crow, Kacey Musgraves, Tyler Childers, Lake Street Dive, Justin Timberlake, Madison Cunningham, Gary Clark Jr, Sarah Jarosz and Lauren Daigle. Enjoy! In This Episode, We Discuss: Early Music Passion Audio Production Path Studio Immersion Formal Audio Training Nashville Career Growth Efficient Studio Culture Navigating Payment Ethics Community Client Insights Nashville's "Clicky" Nature Remote Studio Benefits Beyond Music Row Links and Show Notes: Justin's Site Matt's Rant: Simplification Credits: Guest: Justin Francis Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell The Voice: Chuck Smith
Jun 24, 2025 · 1 hr 1 min
WCA #549 with Ian Shepherd – Mastering Democratized, AI, Physical or Virtual Gear, and Empty Nests
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back mastering engineer and host of The Mastering Show, Ian Shepherd. They dive into the current state of mastering, AI’s growing role, work/life balance, and in-the-box vs. out-of-the-box mastering. Enjoy! In This Episode, We Discuss: Companion podcast episode Advances in mastering technology The rise of AI mastering Shift toward releasing singles Impact of social media Mastering now democratized Lower barrier to entry AI lacks human context AI results often bland/generic Humans provide taste and nuance Networking challenges in rural areas Technology removes many practical limits Career hasn’t suffered despite changes Facing an empty nest soon Focus on intentional, joyful work Known as the "loudness guy" Links and Show Notes: Ian's 100th episode Ian on WCA #132 Matt's Rant: Building Things Credits: Guest: Ian Shepherd Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell The Voice: Chuck Smith
Jun 17, 2025 · 1 hr 11 min
WCA #548 with Dan Malsch – Touring Guitarist to Full-Time Engineer, Building a Studio Career, Mixing Ghost, Working with Andy Wallace, and Running a Successful Studio Outside the Big Cities
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes producer and mixer Dan Malsch to discuss his journey from guitarist to studio owner, working with bands like Ghost and Avenged Sevenfold, building studios with his own hands, and maintaining a no-ego approach to recording at the highest level. Enjoy! In This Episode, We Discuss: Dan Malsch’s Journey From Guitarist to Music Producer Explore how Dan transitioned from touring with his metal band Wicked Mariah to becoming a full-time producer and mix engineer. Building and Running a Professional Recording Studio Learn how Dan used his construction background to build a world-class recording studio in the Poconos from the ground up. Working With Major Artists Like Ghost and Avenged Sevenfold Dan shares behind-the-scenes stories of working with chart-topping rock and metal bands including Ghost, Avenged Sevenfold, and Gojira. Mixing in Dolby Atmos Get insight into how Dan created an Atmos mix room in two weeks and how he mixed Ghost's Impera and Skeletor albums in Dolby Atmos. Collaborating With Legendary Mixer Andy Wallace Hear how a chance meeting led to a close working relationship with Andy Wallace and how that partnership elevated Dan’s career. Running a Successful Studio in a Secondary Market Discover how Dan attracts big-name clients to his Pennsylvania studio without being based in LA, Nashville, or New York. How to Maintain Long-Term Clients as a Music Producer Dan discusses how professionalism, personal communication, and trust help him retain high-profile clients year after year. Balancing Studio Life and Family Life Hear how Dan prioritized being present for his family while running a busy studio and raising two kids. Links and Show Notes: Dan's Studio IMSRV Studio In Stockholm Advice from Robert Diniro video Matt's Rant: Persistence Credits: Guest: Dan Malsch Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell The Voice: Chuck Smith
Jun 9, 2025 · 1 hr
WCA #547 with Lij Shaw – Friendship, Communication, Collaboration, Mixing, and Time Management
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back producer, engineer, songwriter and host of Recording Studio Rockstars Lij Shaw. In This Episode, We Discuss: Friendship & Communication Studio & Workspace Costa Rica Trip Music & Production Collaboration & Mixing Identity & Roles Time Management Links and Show Notes: Recording Studio Rockstars Chris Chamness (Matt & Lij colab) Matt's Rant: Barriers Credits: Guest: Lij Shaw Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell The Voice: Chuck Smith